In 'The Clockwork Universe,' Edward Dolnick unveils the breathtaking revolution of science in the 17th century, where the intricate gears of the universe began to reveal their secrets. Through the lens of remarkable figures like Isaac Newton, we witness the birth of a new understanding that transformed the way humanity perceives existence. Dolnick weaves together history, philosophy, and science into a captivating narrative that showcases the battle between ancient beliefs and emerging scientific thought. This journey through time propels readers into a world where chaos and order collide, igniting curiosity about the true nature of reality. Prepare to be enthralled as you explore how the cosmos operates like an elaborate machine, meticulously crafted and just waiting to be understood.
By Edward Dolnick
Published: 2012
"In the heart of every clock, there exists a dance of gears and springs, not merely to mark the passing of time, but to reveal the universe's own intricate rhythm."
In a world of chaos and disease, one group of driven, idiosyncratic geniuses envisioned a universe that ran like clockwork. They were the Royal Society, the men who made the modern world. At the end of the seventeenth century, sickness was divine punishment, astronomy and astrology were indistinguishable, and the world’s most brilliant, ambitious, and curious scientists were tormented by contradiction. They believed in angels, devils, and alchemy yet also believed that the universe followed precise mathematical laws that were as intricate and perfectly regulated as the mechanisms of a great clock. The Clockwork Universe captures these monolithic thinkers as they wrestled with nature’s most sweeping mysteries. Award-winning writer Edward Dolnick illuminates the fascinating personalities of Newton, Leibniz, Kepler, and others, and vividly animates their momentous struggle during an era when little was known and everything was new—battles of will, faith, and intellect that would change the course of history itself.
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“In the heart of every clock, there exists a dance of gears and springs, not merely to mark the passing of time, but to reveal the universe's own intricate rhythm.”
The Clockwork Universe
By Edward Dolnick
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Edward Dolnick is an acclaimed American author and a former journalist, recognized for his engaging narrative non-fiction that brings history and science to life. He has written several notable works, including 'The Forger's Spell', 'The Clockwork Universe', and 'Absolute Madness', which showcase his talent for weaving complex ideas into accessible and compelling stories. Dolnick's writing style is characterized by its clarity, wit, and a strong sense of narrative, making intricate subjects appealing to a broad audience.
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